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Polka dots are back, but not in the way we’ve worn them before. Forget formal and preppy (remember that black and white polka dot midi dress from Zara that became ubiquitous a few years ago?) and think colourful, massively oversized or, at the very least, paired with clever cuts and softly draped fabrics.
Polka dots were the stars of the Spring/Summer 2024 catwalks: at Dolce & Gabbana, oversized styles; at Stella McCartney, tops with flowing sleeves; while Balmain broke away from traditional monochrome and opted for colour.
The high streets have taken note and now there is a huge variety of styles that definitely hit the spot.
But not all polka dots are created equal, so choose yours carefully for both the event and the image you want to project, using our guide on the five key ways to wear them now…
Soft spots
Lila Moss in a Saint Laurent dress at a British Vogue event in Mayfair last November
Dress, £265, kitristudio.com
For those who prefer a more sober look, opt for a draped style like the one seen on the Stella McCartney catwalk.
Actress Lily James is a fan, choosing a sheer white fabric with soft green polka dots from Saint Laurent to celebrate her birthday, while model Lila Moss wore a monochrome look for a Vogue party.
The stripes of fabric make the polka dots look softer, almost abstract. Perfect for the evening and very romantic.
Playful pattern
Tiny polka dots (no bigger than a five pence piece) are the most traditional version of this look. Think of the Princess of Wales’s fabulous and much-copied Alessandra Rich dress with its pristine white collar.
Anna Wintour attends a Marc Jacobs show wearing the design in early July
Dress, now £44.50, finerylondon.com
But to keep the look current, take inspiration from fashion’s highest priestess, Anna Wintour. Her polka dot ensemble is made modern and fun by the red and white color combination.
Actress Sienna Miller is also a fan of small spots, as seen in the cream Prada two-piece she wore to Wimbledon.
Anna jazzed up the traditional look by showing off a strip of toned midriff between her blouse and skirt. If baring your midriff isn’t your thing, opt for statement accessories like Anna’s necklace.
The bigger the better
Dress, now £110, reiss.com (left) and Dress, £189, hobbs.com (right)
Dress, £253, from Moos Studio at wolfand badger.com
Dolce & Gabbana has put polka dots on the agenda for summer 2024, and the supersize variety was the real star of the brand’s spring/summer show.
While fashion arbiters once ruled that only the tiniest of dots were truly chic, this is a fun take on the style that can look just as chic.
Just as tiny flowers have become big blooms this season, these giant polka dots give a modern twist to the trend.
Stick to just a few scattered across the canvas; anything more busy runs the risk of looking cartoonish.
Follow D&G’s lead with a monochrome print, or inject some color with this green and white style, right, from Moos Studio.
Tiny fun with colors
Margot Robbie in Balmain at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California in January
Dress, £99, karen millen.com
Who says polka dots have to be black, white or navy? Balmain has reinvented them by introducing new colour combinations on the catwalk.
Take a cue from Margot Robbie in a bubblegum pink minidress from the brand’s spring/summer 2024 collection.
The key here is the black dots (the inverse of the usual white), which keep the look sophisticated rather than overly sweet.
Hobbs has a fabulous white dress with large black polka dots, or try Karen Millen’s red polka dot dress. Dress it down with trainers or opt for matching heels à la Margot.
Modern classic
Jennifer Lawrence in a Dior Couture look at the Oscars in March in Hollywood
Dress, £45, finerylondon.com
When it comes to polka dot perfection, Julia Roberts’ polo-themed dress in Pretty Woman takes the crown.
Her brown outfit was adorned with medium-sized polka dots, and if you’re looking for a classic (but never boring) look, you should follow her example.
Pretty Woman was undoubtedly the style inspiration behind Marks & Spencer’s brown V-neck maxi dress, which sold out this season.
Nobody’s Child also has a very wearable chocolate-hued dress. Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child, says: “The Felicity dress sold out as soon as it was released. Over 3,500 people signed up to find out when it would be back in stock.”